Miniaturized pressure equalized displacement sensor assembly

ABSTRACT

The novel sensor assembly is comprised of a threaded housing with pressure relief tracks through the threads that terminate at a hole through the housing and a displacement sensor. In the preferred embodiment, we have included an integral connector, a super-elastic core carrier and a Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer. Other sensor types could be used to construct a pressure equalized displacement sensor as described herein, these may include: capacitive, resistive, Hall effect, eddy current, and differential variable transformer.  
     The sensor is attached to a keyed connector and the entire assembly is potted into the housing. A temperature probe can also be potted with this assembly to allow for multiple tasks to be performed by this one housing. The housing is threaded on one end to allow for easy mounting. A hole is drilled through the housing just in back of the sensor and two tracks run perpendicular to and slightly deeper than the threads. The tracks connect to the through hole. This configuration allows fluid to freely flow from the front to the back of the sensor and putting it in equilibrium without escaping from the pressurized environment. This embodiment is hermetically sealed, extremely robust and easily mounted.

[0001] This is a continuation in part application based upon the utility application Ser. No. 08/590,835 filed on Jan. 17, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to devices for measuring displacement, and, in particular, to a differential variable reluctance transducer assembly for use in pressurized fluidic environments, and for use in hard to reach areas.

[0003] There have been a number of attempts to develop highly accurate miniaturized sensors to be used by industry to measure displacement, elongation, and strain. Examples of these type of devices include U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,435 issued to Steven W. Arms on Mar. 21, 1989, based on Hall Effect sensors. Other attempts in this area include the Robert W. Redlich U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,158 issued on May 19, 1987 and to Alec H. Seilly, No. 4,350,954 issued on September 1982. There are, however many difficulties with those type devices. Among the difficulties are moisture problems, noise interference, core rotation artifact, and limited linear range, and restricted linear movement due to pressurized fluidic interference. Miniaturization of the sensor may also lead to fragility of sensor components, especially the tendency for transducer assembly to become bent or kinked.

[0004] What is needed for a miniature displacement measurement system is a small sliding core that is resistant to damage during handling, installation, and operation. Furthermore, when a sensor is installed in a fluidic environment, what is needed is a miniature transducer housing which will not allow leakage or seepage of fluid from the instrumented system into which the sensor is installed to the outside. This housing should also facilitate connection to external systems by an easily replaced cable assembly. This housing should also provide shielding from interference from stray external fields.

[0005] Furthermore, what is needed when a sensor is installed in a fluidic environment, is a transducer assembly which will not allow ingress of fluids into its sensing elements which could interfere with its normal operation. Finally, when a sensor is installed in a fluidic environment, what is needed is a pressure equalization method which provides a path for fluid, which results in an equalization of pressure within the measurement space, to allow free sliding of the displacement sensor's core.

[0006] It is the object of this invention to teach a linear displacement sensor assembly which avoids the disadvantages of and limitations of previous systems, and addresses the needs of linear position sensing in a fluidic environment. Another object of this invention is to provide a system which is easy to install, robust, effective, and efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Particularly, it is the object of this invention is to produce a miniaturized pressure equalized displacement sensor assembly, for use in, but not limited to use in, a pressurized or vacuum environment; and comprised of the following housing: said housing comprising a threaded end and a tightening means; said threaded end having tracks for fluid flow that connect to a hole through the assembly at the back of a sensor; said sensor being mounted in an aperture within said threaded end; said sensor being connected to said through hole to allow access for said fluid to the back side of said sensor; said sensor having a super-elastic core carrier to transmit displacement to said sensor; said tightening means includes a sealing surface to stop the flow of any said fluid to the outside environment; said tightening means further comprising an aperture for a connector; said connector being attached to said sensor by way of lead wires or flexible tape circuitry; said housing being hermetically sealed by way of epoxy or insert molding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Further objects and features of this invention will become more apparent by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the following figures, in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a solid view of the Miniaturized Pressure Equalized Displacement Sensor Assembly

[0010]FIG. 2 shows the Miniaturized Pressure Equalized Displacement Sensor Assembly in one application

[0011]FIG. 3 shows the Nitinol core carrier and the components thereof

[0012]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view thereof taken along line A-A of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013]FIG. 1 is a drawing of the novel Miniaturized Pressure Equalized Displacement Sensor Assembly. A displacement sensor, by way of example, a Microstrain DVRT (Pat. No. 4,813,435)(10) is inserted into a housing (1). The housing may be constructed of polymeric or metallic materials, however, 400 series stainless steel is preferred for corrosion resistance and for improved immunity to external magnetic fields. The housing is threaded on one end (2) and includes, but not limited to, a hex head for secure tightening of the transducer into a threaded receptacle. The assembly has a plurality of apertures to allow the insertion of the displacement sensor and its connector. The; threaded end of the housing has an additional aperture (5) which allows the pressure at the back of the sensor (10) to be equalized with the pressure exerted on the core (9). Two tracks (3) on either side allows the pressurized fluid or gas to free flow to and from the pressure relief holes (5). The metal housing also has an integral connector (7). This connector (7) may be attached to the sensor (10) by lead wires or polyimide flexible tape circuitry (11). The aperture (19) behind the pressure relief holes (5) is sealed with epoxy and half moon structures (12). Sealing is made easier to accomplish by using the two half moon shaped sealant rods (12); they are used to help slow the flow of epoxy out of the unit through the pressure relief holes prior to the cure of the epoxy. The epoxy and half moon construction may be eliminated by utilization of insert molding techniques. However, the epoxy seal is well suited for low volume production.

[0014] An O-ring (8) is used to prevent leakage around the outside of the assembly. The material of the O-ring may be changed depending upon the application environment that it is being used in. A spring (4) and a spring tip (6) are optional, and can allow for easier installation and/or force measurement capability.

[0015] The core carrier tube (9) is inserted into the sensor (10), but can slide freely within sensor (10). The slideable core (18) is comprised of a magnetically permeable metallic center bonded within a core carrier tube or circumference (9) which is comprised of a super-elastic material such as a Nickel-Titanium Alloy. The slideable core (18) can also be constructed of a conductive material. A reinforcement rod ( 19) comprised of a super-elastic wire is fixed within the Nickel-Titanium circumference (9) and is totally nonmagnetic. Attached to the reinforcement rod (19) side of the core carrier tube (9) is an optional spring tip/entrapment (6)

[0016] A typical application and function of the Miniaturized Pressure Equalized Displacement Sensor Assembly is depicted in FIG. 2. The assembly (13) is threaded into a cylinder (14). The cylinder (14) contains a pressurized/vacuumed liquid/gas (16). This liquid is able to flow freely ( 15) to the back of the sensor to equalize the force exerted onto the core (9). This prevents pressurized liquid/gas from becoming trapped within the space (18) at the back of the sensor (10); therefore providing accurate, unimpeded displacement measurement of the piston (17). 

We claim:
 1. A plunger type displacement sensor for measuring displacements comprising; a housing; said sensor being mounted within an aperture within said housing; said housing having tracks for fluid flow that connect to a hole through the assembly at the back of said sensor for pressure equalization; said housing comprises tightening means that include a sealing surface to stop said fluid flow to the outside environment.
 2. A sensor, according to claim 1 with the displacement sensing element comprising of a Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer.
 3. A sensor, according to claim 1 with the housing comprising of a threaded end;
 4. A sensor, according to claim 1 having a super-elastic core carrier.
 5. A sensor, according to claim 1 with a housing that includes a connector to attach electrical connections to said sensor.
 6. A sensor, according to claim 1 with a housing that hermetically seals the sensor within said housing.
 7. A sensor, according to claim 1 with said sealing means comprising an polymer O-ring.
 8. A sensor, according to claim 1 with a spring tip used to provide as a return for the said core carrier and to make the said core an integral part of said housing. 